Rudolf "Rudi" Hans Warnders

Rudolf “Rudi” Hans Warnders, age 81, of Chatham, died late Sunday evening, June 17, 2018 at the Medilodge of Munising.  He was born on December 28, 1936 in Brunssum, Netherlands to Roelof and Elizabeth (Poganatz) Warnders.  Growing up in Holland, Rudi went to work at the age of thirteen at a hotel and restaurant.  He then worked for the Holland America Cruise Line as a waiter.  On his twentieth birthday, Rudi and his sister, Wilma, came to the United States.  While working in Chicago, he met Luane Hautamaki and they were married on June 28, 1958.  Rudi and Luane raised their family and he continued working for different hospitality and food service industries.  His career took them from Illinois to California, Michigan, Saudi Arabia, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  After retirement, they returned to Luane’s Upper Peninsula and he continued to work as a consultant.  Rudi was an avid reader, he enjoyed watching Westerns and old movies, and he was a student of history – especially WWII and Native American Nations.

Rudi is survived by his wife of sixty years – Luane Warnders of Chatham; their son – Wayde (Ronna) Warnders of Castro Valley, CA; grandson – Shane; brother – Harry (Niki) Warnders of Kingwood, TX; sister – Ingrid Warnders of the Netherlands; in-laws – Dennis Hautamaki, Alan and Annie Hautamaki, Gretta and Patrick Donahue, and Patricia and John Martin; and numerous nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter – Baby Jeanne Ann Warnders; son – Robert Warnders; sisters – Wilma and Elvie Warnders; and sister-in-law – Barbara Hautamaki.

Services will be held at the Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Eben on Saturday, June 23, 2018.  Visiting time with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Pastor Tom Schierkolk will conduct Rudi’s memorial service at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.